I Never Climbed a Mountain

Today May 20th is my Birthday and in anticipation, I wrote a poem a few days ago, as a brief commentary on observations of my life so far. I intended originally to read it and enter it in Ed’s ‘Spoken Word’ feature (which seems to have gone by the board as I haven’t seen any other entrants as yet). Anyhow, I have posted spoken word before and they are still there for anyone to hear if they wish, so I put a bit of a tune to the words I’d written. It’s now a musical commentary.
I wanted to keep it simple sounding, so I sang and played it at the same time on one track, but the guitar sounds a bit muffled I know, because, for the balance of guitar and voice, I had to play with my thumb to keep it more subdued than with the plectrum. I don’t have room for a mic’ stand so had to balance the mic’ in a box at an appropriate distance and turn up the gain to pick vocal and guitar up (hence my breathing sounds in the intro). I sent it to a friend to see what he thought and he suggested a bit of orchestration, but I still wanted the simple sound to keep it in the ad lib style. Though at what I think was the appropriate part, I did another track and tinkled on the piano. I hope you like the rawness of my performance that I intended with this, as well as the poetry. As I get older, I realize that every year is a bonus and as I’ve said before here, this place and the friendship, certainly helps keep my days brighter and myself younger.
For me to still be able to bang out a tune at my time of life and get the responses I do from all of you here at MJ, really does make life worth living. Sorry about the heavy breathing at the beginning…. But in a sense I’m glad I’m still able to do it LOL (Joke) Hope you like this, M

When I was young, I wondered just what life would bring,
I thought that every day I lived, my beating heart would sing,
I never thought the turns of life would would make me what I am,
And if I’d known those things so young, would I have give a damn?

‘Invincible’, I thought I was, like most kids of that age,
Not much around me got me mad or sent me in a rage,
Some things stand out above all else though, and they’re with me still,
Injustice, war and cruelty, all make my feelings spill.

At every age throughout my life, I thought that I was right….
In my opinions and ideas, but all of these took flight…
As each year came, experience corrected what I knew,
And so it goes as life goes on; each year a clearer view.

Now, reaching seventy years and three, life’s path seems not so long,
Each year is like a speeding train; momentum growing strong,
And looking back too, I can see how far I’ve come as well,
Years of laughter, joy and sadness, memories I can’t quell.

I thank each one I’ve come to meet along my life’s highway,
They helped in many ways to fashion who I am today,
Though I never climbed a mountain and I never swam a sea,
I have love enough to fill them both, pouring out from me,
Yes that’s the thing that keeps me strong; the thing that’s in us all,
The love for all we see around, that keeps us walking tall….

No! I never climbed that mountain and I never swam a sea,
But the love enough to fill them both is pouring out from me,
It’s the thing that keeps me strong… and keeps my feet upon the ground,
And through life I’ve always found…. That Love, makes the world go round….
Break.
No! I never climbed that mountain…. never swam a sea,
But I’ve love enough to fill them both, pouring out from me,
It’s the thing that keeps me strong and keeps my feet upon the ground,
And through life I’ve always found…. Love, makes the world go round…. Yes, Love makes the world go round.

I Never Climbed a Mountain
We all happy you did this I m sure of that Sir , theres nothing best that
your poetic style with a guitar ...so awesome ...the only cheapo guitar
I love ...thank you for using it ...very wonderful poem ..thank for you
and for this awesome Art ...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY .Sir !!!!!

Thank you Feter
It always makes me smile, that you are first to reply with a comment.... you are a real asset to this place and brighten everyone's day with your enthusiastic comments..... and once again I thank you for your kind words, best regards M

Hi Kenta
Yes, you certainly can feel young in an old body, but it's like everything else when you get to my age..... it's 'all in the mind' LOL.... well I exaggerate a little, Thank you for your good wishes, cheers M

great!
This is awesome. I am usually a production snob, but I really like the raw quality of this, all the hiss in the background doesn't bother me because of the sincerity and directness of your voice. You're quite a singer, sir! Bravo!

Thanks Jim
I'm especially pleased with your words here, because I do know what a stickler you are for production etc. I never think you're a production snob..... just truthful....... and I've noticed, exceptionally helpful and informative to a lot of people here. Thanks again for listening and for the very kind and welcome comments, cheers M

So pleased Andy
that you enjoyed this....as I said above, it was intended just as a poem originally until I picked up the guitar.... and I I've always found that if I/ you are used to singing while playing an instrument, you get a more 'natural' feel for the timing/ runs etc. I did enjoy singing and playing this for that reason, because up tp now, I've always played or sung on separate tracks in GB, but with this, if I'd played the guitar so ad lib, I wouldn't have known when to come in with the vocal. Hence I had to play and sing at the same time on one track, which gives a more natural performance, but in this case not as good a 'sound', Thanks again for the nice comment and good wishes, regards M

Maurice ....
2nd time through this one. My friend ... you are such a blessing to us all here at Mj and I am sure that can be said for anyone who has been lucky enough to cross your path. I am struck by the thought that I want to be where you are ... it's never too late right? So my very dear friend .. on your birthday you have presented us with presents and I wish you all the best ... and I mean ... ALL the best ! Happy Birtday Mr. Moviz !!

Lovely words Jack
and I am most appreciative.... it NEVER is too late, that's for sure my friend.... I think you already are where I am in many ways.... I've seen it pouring out of you too on this site and you have it in abundance, you're a lovely guy, best regards M

Happy Birthday, Maurice!
I love these lyrics. Love is what gets us through life, and you express this so well. The cheapo guitar sounds great, too. You're an inspiration to the over 50s in here- you keep going strong and writing wonderful songs.

You know,
I used to always play guitar with my thumb all the years I performed live, but since I play here I usually use plectrum. I needed to dumb down the sound so I'm pleased if you still think it sounds OK..... I never in a million years thought that I would be old enough to be the inspirer of fifty year olds, LOL ( You got me laughing my socks off now LOLOL), but I still feel as daft at times Roxie, as when I was fifteen. It's true that love does makes the world go round .........as well as laughter, regards M

love that 4-letter word
Happy Birthday Maurice, and it is a joy to hear you making such sweet music on your 73rd birthday! If love be the elixer of life, pour me another cup! Let's fill the mountains and seas with it, you have me on board!

As always, nice singing and great melody. Personally I like the sparse version, and would suggest not using the piano at all, or maybe lightly at the very very end. The guitar and voice carries this in a very meaningful and heartfelt way.

Thank you Drak
So pleased that you liked this song and the words.... as regards the love, yes we do need to let it pour, more than ever at times and the thing is, it costs nothing...... I too thought it was better just vocal/ guitar, just wish the quality had been better though, thank you once again, regards M

Happy Birthday, Maurice!
"And so it goes as life goes on; each year a clearer view." Boy, you nailed it with that line...They say that education is wasted on the young. Well, you definitely show that YOUR education is a lifelong endeavor/journey and that you have grown wise enough to reflect on all you've learned with the knowledge of experience. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. ... On a musical/performance note: For me, I'd love to hear you recite this a cappella sans any instrumentation or melody at all. The message is such a good one and your speaking voice is so rich. ... And again, best wishes for a very happy birthday.
Peace always.
Paul

Thank you Paul
for those birthday wishes..... and it's true that things get clearer....... in a lot of instances, but..... we do inevitably start to slow down, later rather than sooner with a bit of luck LOL. You're very generous with your praise Paul and I'm very appreciative. I might just do an un-accompanied spoken word (not of this poem though) if Ed's suggestion for spoken word takes off. Thanks again, and best regards M

Mo! This is you!
How great to hear you in fine voice, singing with feeling and telling us all your thoughts- you are an inspiration! Beautiful words; really suit the tune.

73 years young! - it's guys like you that make this place so special. But even if you were 37, you'd still be a top Macjammer, so age has got nothing to do with it except give the experience to write with such honesty.

All the best Mo! You could have asked for a mic stand for your birthday..heh heh!

Thanks a load Jim
I appreciate you taking the time to listen and comment with those very kind words; I like that, "73 years young" comment, that's how I feel most of the time.... yes I could have a mic stand , but I genuinely don't have room for it.... I'm already sat cross-legged on a stool, regards M

Thanks Dave
Really pleased that you like the way I did this and the words.... it's true as you'll know that time gains momentum the older you get.... though you have a long time before you catch up with me. Thanks for your Birthday wishes too Dave; all the best M

Now then Michael
Why is it that other people say I must have fell on my head at some time? LOL... maybe it was off a Mountain.
Oh yes, we all start to get those same vibes as we get older and the 'road' gets inevitably shorter... you really start to think deeply. The thing about never having climbed a Mountain or swam a sea of course is, that you don't have to be a superman in this world..... as long as you give love in equal measure as you already know.
Thanks too Michael for the praise.... most welcome my friend, cheers M

Magnificent
This is excellent, Maurice. The rawness of the recording does not even impinge on the consciousness, due mostly to the fact that your voice on this is so strong. There's a richness and a timbre to your voice that makes this rank among your best performances. The lyrics are poetic and universal, and you deliver them with real soul. You're one of the best, my friend. Thanks for sharing this with is here. Nicely done. Peace. Oh, and Happy birthday!

Thanks David
I'm glad you approve of the song and my performance.... I feel as though I sang better on this for the reasons I said to Dave above (that I was playing at the same time as singing) and it does help in my case, but the downside was having the mic' at the distance I had to have it, which caused the hiss. Thank you for calling and for your good wishes, regards M

Happy Birthday Young Fella!
Maurice,
I'll get it out of the way first: the hiss is driving me crazy here. There, said it :)

If I forget about the hiss (because after all, that's not what this is about), I really like the tune and your performance. Someone further up the page commented on the quality of your voice, and for me, this is the clearest - possibly the wrong word :) - example of how good a singer you are. Lovely chording and an all round good tune.

Maurice, any ideas what might be causing the hiss?

For me, I'd love to hear you re-do this in a more "studio" version where each part is played in separately with appropriate care taken to minimise the hiss. This is a very good song and well worth taking some time with.

I really like the sentiments in your lyrics, and am overall really impressed with what you do here at MJ. I hope you post an updated version in say 25 years :)

Happy Birthday my friend - may you have many, many more. You're an inspiration to keep going in the music making department!

I Know
I know, I know Neil, LOL The explanation is above. I usually take my songs into Audacity to get rid of hiss etc. but this time I didn't have a sample sound at the end or beginning so that Audacity could do it's work, though I did try.
I couldn't sing unaccompanied on a track in case I went off tune and if I'd played the guitar on a track of it's own I would have been mis-timing my entrances etc because of the ad-lib nature of the timing here. So I sang and played on one track. I was pleased I managed to get through it in one take without too many croaks and creaks (which grow ever more present the older I get), so I thought it was better to leave well alone and leave it what it was i.e. rough and ready, and rely on the performance. Thanks Neil for your very welcome comment and for taking an interest, which I truly do appreciate and thank you also for your good wishes, all the best M

What you hear is what you get!
Maurice, your life embodies the song you wrote. What a fine person and excellent artist you are. We all are very lucky to have you here at MacJams. Happy Birthday, and many, many more....Peace, Norman

Well Norman
in this particular case that's so LOL... as I said above, rough and ready. Thanks so much for being my sounding board at times and for your kind words. Thanks also for all your good wishes, regards M

And...
As I listened I read the lyrics and wow... powerful deep thoughts and so true for my own self... I remember how I lived life at 18 figuring I'd never live past 23 anyway... Now at 52 things are slower but not less interesting... More tolerance but certain things just kill me.

Thanks for
the b'day wishes Mark and for the nice comment,,,, everybody should do a Birthday song LOL. Regarding your second comment below.... don't worry about it slowing down at your age; believe me when I say it WILL speed up faster than you want it too. I always thought I would die at 30, because i couldn't visualise myself older than that, but at the age of 30, I got married and had a change of town and lifestyle..... so that's what that was about, cheers M

Happy Birthday
I really enjoy your posts Maurice, because there is such sincerety in your voice - I know when I am listening to you sing you are giving me your all - it MEANS something to you and I can feel it. Birthdays are a time for celebration, and a time for reflection, on our lives - the things we did and didn't do. I sense that, with you, there are no regrets - you make the best of it; you learn from it - it is part of the life process, and what better way to celebrate your life, than to sing about with your friends. Cheers to you - thank you for sharing your birthday celebration with us.

Hi Sigmund
Very perceptive comment indeed, especially about how we take stock around the time of our Birthdays and it seems to happen more so, the older we get. I'm sure I must have a couple of regrets tucked away somewhere, but on the whole I've always done my best and given the benefit of the doubt to others.... and when it comes down to it, it doesn't matter if we fail; it just matters that we TRY and I think that's a good philosophy to follow. Thanks so much for listening and taking the time to write, regards M

Thank you Daniel
for listening and for the much appreciated comment...... really pleased that you liked this. Others have mentioned my vibrato, but I honestly don't hear it, nor am I conscious of it, though I love to hear vocal vibrato in others, especially the fast variety a lot of French singers seem to have, regards M

Great Work
It is so poetic yet so...straight forward. It has a beginning and an end (similar to our lives). Very well written and very reflective of what we accomplish yet want to when in reality it is not what we do, but why we do it that matters.

Sweet Tune
I like the low fi approach to this, and the simple arraingment as BPJ said It is engaging. Nice organic sound with out midi or loops It really highlights you and your talent. This is great. Btw I like the new picture, you are a handsome devil.
Regards

Stripped
down to the bare essentials seemed the way to go with this and I'm glad you agree buckhorn (wish I knew your name), thanks for your nice comment and I'm even more pleased with your appreciation of my new photo LOL (some would disagree with that opinion though I'm sure) the snag is that when you get to my age, people assume they're not your own teeth.... and they are LOL, cheers M

Cool
I'm late but, Happy Birthday Maurice...
I was absent for a long time, the head somewhere else and it is a pleasure to discover this song today in my return.
I'm always glad to hear your sweet music with as always, nice singing and beautiful melody. Bravo...
Marc

I did
miss you Marc and I wondered where you'd got to, but it's very nice to see you around again. Thank you for listening and leaving that very welcome comment; really pleased that you like it, regards M

A Taurean
the same as me.....you must be a lovely man Bob LOL. Thanks for the Birthday wishes and I wish you all the best in return. Glad you like my song and the vocal rendition, but I'm very surprised that you like my guitar playing... I just wish it had been a little clearer, but thanks again for the confidence booster, regards M

This is one
of my favorite lyrics i've ever heard. I love the fact that you have lived long enough to really give it meaning too.
Just just a kid singing Frank Sinatra's "It Was A Very Good Year", or like Roy Clark's "When I Was Young". I think this special tune is like "When I Was Young" I love the feeling that this has. This is really to me one of the most meaningful tunes I've heard hear. You really bring out the meaning of "powerful" words ! It is a treasure to hear this and coming from such a nice person as your self.

Bill,
It really does make my day when you visit and comment on my songs, because for a talented guy such as yourself to praise my work, says so much about you as a person. I'm really pleased that you like the words so much... 'though all I needed to do was 'tell it like it is'.... and I think people like to recognise truth in words, because they apply to most of us in life, regards M

This is definitely worth singing about
I am struck by both the truth of your insightful lyrics and the true sound to your voice. Wonderful work here Maurice, you've captured a wisdom wrapped in a feeling that is a treat to share. I loved your entry of the piano - it was so perfect in that moment. I can also let my imagination run wild and hear a full orchestration to back up the ballad, and then I come back to the simplicity and plain truth of what you so intimately sing with your guitar.

Thanks for listening
Doug; I'm really pleased with your comments and pleased that you like the entrance of the piano (though my piano skills are very minimal, which is just as well) I did think at one time of letting rip with an orchestral backing later in the song, but thought better of it as time was of the essence, since my Birthday was coming up fast LOL. Thanks also for your good wishes, regards M

got some time :)
even tho this is very fuzzy and kinda hard to listen to I LOVE YOUR VOICE DUDE ! I really want someone to clean this up ! I wholeheartedly dig your musical style man ....this is a great poem too man :)

A ballad is a story in a song, usually a narrative song or poem. It is a rhythmic saga of a past affair, which may be heroic, romantic or satirical, political (affected by the previous three types mentioned, refers to either glorifying the exploits o